Why More Adults Are Seeking Autism Assessments
This post on Autism is written by Victoria Kaufman, B.A
Key Insights
- Recognize Growing Awareness: Adult autism diagnoses more than doubled between 2011 and 2019 as increased social media visibility and reduced stigma empower adults to seek answers about feeling “different.”
- Identify Key Social Indicators: Signs include difficulty understanding others’ emotions, intense social anxiety, taking things literally, avoiding eye contact, and experiencing distress when routines change unexpectedly.
- Understand Evaluation Benefits: Research shows receiving an autism diagnosis often brings relief, self-understanding, and validation for adults who have long questioned how they relate to the world.
- Know Assessment Components: Professional autism evaluation typically includes the ADOS (interactive assessment) and ADI-R (developmental history interview), looking for persistent social communication differences and behavioral patterns from childhood.
- Choose Your Path Forward: Formal diagnosis isn’t mandatory—some adults find clarity through self-identification alone, while others benefit from official assessment for accommodations and deeper understanding.
UNDERSTANDING AUTISM AUTISM EVALUATIONS: WHAT TO KNOW
Autism has become widely discussed in media and social platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where people share their experiences, signs, and “stims.” As openness grows, awareness increases and stigma decreases, leaving some adults wondering: Could this be me?
Research shows autism evaluations often bring relief, self-understanding, and validation. Consequently, adults seeking assessments have steadily increased, especially those who’ve long felt “different” or “misunderstood.” Between 2011 and 2019, adult autism diagnoses more than doubled. Dr. James McPartland notes adults pursue diagnosis for curiosity, self-understanding, or questions about how they relate to the world.
As autism becomes better understood, seeking diagnosis feels empowering and creates connection rather than isolation. However, some may feel disappointed without an expected diagnosis, especially when hoping to explain difficult life experiences.
So how can adults determine if they’re good candidates for assessment, and what does evaluation involve?
SIGNS TO CONSIDER BEFORE SEEKING AN AUTISM ASSESSMENT
The NHS recommends reflecting on these experiences when considering autism assessment:
- Difficulty understanding others’ thoughts or feelings
- Intense social anxiety
- Challenges making friends or preferring solitude
- Seeming blunt or rude unintentionally
- Difficulty expressing feelings
- Taking things literally or missing sarcasm
- Relying on routine and distress when it changes
Additional signs include:
- Struggling with social rules
- Avoiding eye contact
- Difficulty with personal space
- Noticing details others overlook
- Deep, focused interests in specific subjects
- Preferring careful planning
These indicators help you reflect on how DSM-5 autism criteria apply to your life and whether formal evaluation could be beneficial.
WHAT IF YOU DON’T WANT A FORMAL DIAGNOSIS?
Not everyone feels the need to pursue an official diagnosis. Some adults find clarity and community through self-identification alone and feel comfortable embracing the autistic label without clinical confirmation.
There is no “right” or “wrong” approach, only what best supports your well-being. The Center for Autism Research at CHOP offers a helpful resource to guide you in deciding whether a formal diagnosis is the right step for you.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN AN ADULT AUTISM ASSESSMENT
Formal autism assessment processes vary by provider and may include interviews, structured tasks, or standardized assessments. Clinicians look for:
- Persistent differences in social communication and interaction
- Distinct patterns of behaviors, interests, or sensory responses
- Symptoms beginning in childhood and continuing lifelong
Having someone who knew you as a child is helpful, though assessment remains possible without this through additional clinician information gathering.
Common evaluation components include:
Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised (ADI-R): A structured interview focusing on developmental history, taking about three hours.
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS): A standardized, interactive assessment for verbally fluent individuals, taking about one hour.
In Summary
If you’re curious about exploring your identity and better understanding yourself, reach out to our team. We can help you determine whether you may be a good fit for an autism evaluation and guide you through the next steps.
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